Electromagnetic Sensor Array Optimization for Broad Spectrum Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic measurement sensor arrays are optimized only for a narrow spectrum of sources and frequencies, making them inefficient for measuring diverse electromagnetic fields across a broad range of frequencies, particularly in geophysical prospecting for oil, gas, or mineral deposits.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for optimizing electromagnetic sensor arrays by considering physical environmental characteristics, sensor geometry, and noise characteristics to efficiently measure electromagnetic fields across a broad spectrum of frequencies, involving the evaluation and optimization of sensor array design parameters such as spacing, orientation, and configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor arrays are optimized for a narrow spectrum of sources and frequencies, then measurement precision is improved for those specific applications, but adaptability deteriorates when measuring diverse electromagnetic fields across broad frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a universal optimization framework that evaluates sensor array configurations against multiple performance metrics simultaneously, enabling a single array design to achieve acceptable performance across diverse electromagnetic sources and frequencies rather than being optimized for a narrow spectrum only
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically varies key design parameters including sensor spacing, array geometry, and element orientation to identify configurations that maintain measurement precision across broad frequency ranges and diverse source types, transforming the design approach from fixed-optimization to parameter-tuned multi-scenario performance
2Measurement precision
If separate measurements are performed for different sources and frequencies, then measurement precision is maintained for each specific case, but productivity deteriorates due to multiple separate measurement campaigns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optimization of sensor array configurations using computational modeling and performance metrics before actual field deployment, allowing the array to be pre-configured for broad-spectrum effectiveness rather than requiring separate optimization and measurement campaigns for each source type or frequency range
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computational models and simulations to create virtual representations of electromagnetic scenarios, allowing performance evaluation and optimization of sensor array configurations without requiring actual field measurements for every possible source and frequency combination
3Measurement precision
If robust inversion techniques are used to locate geophysical features, then measurement precision is improved for feature detection, but device complexity increases due to sophisticated processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optimization of sensor array configurations using computational modeling and performance metrics before actual field deployment, allowing the array to be pre-configured for broad-spectrum effectiveness rather than requiring separate optimization and measurement campaigns for each source type or frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary inventive optimization model delineates a three-dimensional geometric environment for situation therein of electromagnetic sources and an electromagnetic sensor array used for measuring electric and magnetic fields emanating from the electromagnetic sources. Based on measurements and computations relating to electrical, magnetic, and structural physical properties, the geometric environment is stratified into air, sea, and seafloor regions as well as into electromagnetically distinct zones. The design of the electromagnetic sensor array is optimized through an iterative process involving successive determinations as to how well the electric and magnetic fields emanating from the electromagnetic sources may be calculated based on measurements taken in the geometric environment by the electromagnetic sensor array. Every instance of the electromagnetic sensor array in the iterative process is uniquely located and/or uniquely configured vis-à-vis every other instance. Design optimization can be performed with respect to various frequencies or frequency ranges.